Vexations may be petty, but they are vexations still.

If I am to serve as an instrument of deceit, at least let it be with a clear conscience. I do not want to be considered either so affectionate or so loyal a servant as to be found fit to betray anyone.

I aim here only at revealing myself, who will perhaps be different tomorrow, if I learn something new which changes me.

Marriage has, for its share, usefulness, justice, honour, and constancy; a stale but more durable pleasure. Love is grounded on pleasure alone, and it is indeed more gratifying to the senses, keener and more acute; a pleasure stirred and kept alive by difficulties. There must be a sting and a smart in it. It ceases to be love if it has no shafts and no fire.

The good opinion of the vulgar is injurious.

My life has been full of terrible misfortunes most of which never happened.

Lend yourself to others, but give yourself to yourself.